The Halifax gathering has been an annual event since 2009,
and the Canadian government announced this week it will continue to host the
event for another five years, through 2018. Government, military, business,
academic and media representatives from some 25 nations are expected to attend
this year’s session. Agenda topics range from Iran and the Middle East to cyber
defense and the role of democracies in maintaining global stability.

The secretary told reporters traveling with him that the
conference becomes more important every year, for the Arctic Circle region and
for the world. As the planet’s climate changes and the region’s ice cover
shrinks, he noted, Arctic sea lanes are likely to open in the coming years.

Increased maritime activity in the Arctic will offer both
opportunities and challenges, he said. “The United States needs to be very
active in this group, and be very involved, because we’re talking about climate
change, energy resources, security, space -- there’s just so many factors that
play into this,” Hagel said.

This test, designated David’s Sling Test–2, is the second
intercept test of the Stunner interceptor for the David’s Sling Weapon System,
and was conducted at a test range in southern Israel.

A target missile was launched and tracked by the system’s
multi-mission radar. The radar transferred flight information to the battle
management control system. The Stunner interceptor successfully performed its
planned trajectory and destroyed the target.

The David’s Sling Weapon System is designed as an additional
layer of defense against ballistic missiles, to add interception opportunities
to the joint U.S.-Israel Arrow Weapon System and to improve Israel’s defense
capabilities against missile threats.

The successful test is a major milestone in the development
of the David’s Sling Weapon System and provides confidence in future Israeli
capabilities to defeat the developing ballistic missile threat.

11/19/2013 - FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. -- The
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody spent several hours
visiting with Airmen involved in a variety of critical missions here
Nov. 12.

Cody visited cyber and intelligence units that fall under Air Forces
Cyber and the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
Agency to spend time with Airmen, better understand their missions, and
find out what the Air Force can do to better support them.

"This was an opportunity to come out and thank the Airmen for the work
they're doing," said Cody. "It's really important they know how
connected they are, and that nobody's forgotten, especially those Airmen
doing interagency work. There's nothing better than letting the Airmen
tell their stories."

And tell their stories they did. Airmen from the 315th Network Warfare
Squadron and 7th Intelligence Squadron briefed Cody on their roles in
the cyber domain and went through the basics of a mission. Cody was
impressed by the professional, skilled, well-trained Airmen, and coined
several cyber troops throughout the trip who had been recognized by
their leadership for outstanding service.

"This takes a lot of focus and dedication. Information gives us a
distinct advantage over our adversaries," Cody said while speaking to a
group of Airmen. "I like the idea that the enemy doesn't know what we
could do or might do - I think it's pretty impressive."

Cody also noted cyber's critical effect on other Air Force careers and
systems, and promoted education programs for the Air Force's cyber
operators.

"Education has value and gives our Airmen credibility," he said during
one of the briefings he received. "We need to move forward, and if we
don't have a clear advantage, our future systems that rely on cyber
won't be effective or defended."

Cody also encouraged Airmen to stay in the critical career fields of
cyber and intelligence while the Air Force plans for budget changes for
the force.

"We're still going to invest in you. We can ill-afford to cut into the
important investment we've already made," he said. "We have to balance
these capabilities with our other critical capabilities, but this domain
is the way forward. It's a great place to be when you think about the
growth we're looking at in the Air Force."

11/20/2013 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- Slowly
and methodically the Humvee rolled onto the metal platform inside the
Small Air Terminal at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Nov. 19. The
vehicle's bulky frame depressed the steel plate as its weight was
digitally recorded.

"It's critical to move through this inspection as quickly as possible,"
said U.S. Army Capt. Charles Greene, as Soldiers from Fort Eustis' 689th
Rapid Port Opening Element encircled the vehicle. "We need to be
'wheels up' in 12 [hours] so we can get to the mission."

The inspection was part of a joint exercise that combined the tools,
training and talent of Joint Base Langley-Eustis Soldiers and Airmen. It
tested how quickly they could mobilize, pack, prepare and secure cargo
for transport in support of disaster relief or crisis response.

"This is the third time we have trained this way with Langley Airmen,"
Green said. "Each time has been more productive than the last."

Greene, the 689th RPOE detachment commander, said from the moment his
unit is notified of a crisis they have 12 hours to mobilize and be
airborne to anywhere in the world - ready to help those in need.

The Soldiers inspecting the Humvee were training with Airmen from
Langley's 633rd Logistics Readiness Squadron to ensure their equipment
was ready to be loaded on an aircraft at a moment's notice.

"This exercise is incredibly important," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt.
Nathan Rust, 633rd LRS air terminal supervisor. "We need to know if the
cargo and rolling stock is properly prepared and air-worthy so it can be
sent downrange."

Downrange for the 689th RPOE could mean going anywhere in the world, as
was the case in 2010 when the element flew to Haiti and responded to one
of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded. With the possibility of
deploying at a moment's notice, the Soldiers worked with Airmen to
measure, weigh, secure, clean and inspect the vehicles and cargo. They
trained to identify and fix any deficiencies on the spot.

"We work in the field as a joint task force," Greene said. "We need to train at home the same way."

As the Humvee inspection continued, Soldiers recorded data, which the
Airmen then calculated to determine the precise center of balance of the
vehicle. If the information was wrong, it could cause the aircraft to
become unbalanced and crash.

In addition to properly balancing cargo, the joint team must ensure all
hazardous materials and possible contaminants are safely removed before
transport.

"Everyone understands how important this training is," said U.S. Army
Staff Sgt. Anthony Hasberry, 689th RPOE mobility noncommissioned
officer. "It all comes down to achieving mission success by working
together and putting the mission first."

by 1st Lt. Kwang Woong Kim
Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs

11/20/2013 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Joining
the armed services leads many people to leave their hometowns and serve
around the world, moving far away from family and friends.

Fortunately for Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Charvat and Marine Corps
Sgt. Matthew Charvat, these brothers had the opportunity to come back
and serve in their hometown.

"When I applied to become a recruiter and got accepted, I was able to
choose my hometown," said Andrew, 311th Recruiting Squadron enlisted
accessions recruiter at the Armed Forces Recruiting Center in Mentor,
Ohio. "By this time, my older brother, Matt, had already been at Mentor
for a few months."

"When Andrew told me he was coming back home, it was awesome news," Matt
added, a Marine Corps enlisted accessions recruiter at the same center.
"It was the first time Andrew, my youngest brother, David, and I were
back home together with family."

The Charvat brothers grew up all over the world, until finally settling in Mentor.

"Our childhood was different compared to most," Matt said. "Our father
served in the Marine Corps and in the Army during our childhood and we
moved around a lot."

"We lived overseas in Honduras, Germany and Sweden while growing up, due
to our father's job working for the U.S. Embassy," Andrew added. "We
got to experience that at an early age together. We then all moved back
to Mentor, where we are currently recruiting."

Following in his father's footsteps, Matt was the first to serve and
enlisted in the Marine Corps. When Matt joined the Marine Corps, it had a
significant influence on Andrew.

"When I was younger, I looked up to my brother like most younger
siblings by trying to be like them, always doing what they wanted to
do," Andrew said. "Once he enlisted in the Marine Corps, it got me
thinking as to what I wanted to do once I graduated from high school.
When I watched him graduate boot camp when I was 15, I was proud of him
and saw the transformation he went through in just 13 weeks."

Andrew admitted that seeing his brother got him thinking about wanting
to enlist as well and changed his decision on what he wanted to do with
his life.

He made his choice and enlisted in the Air Force.

"I am very proud of him," Matt said. "Regardless of what branch you
serve in, it speaks volumes of a person's character when they decide to
serve their country during times of war. They are the real 1 percent."

After each serving in their operational duties, both had similar aspirations on how they wanted to serve their country.

"The Air Force gave me great opportunities during my time as a
firefighter," Andrew said. "I wanted to get into recruiting to allow
other people to have the same opportunities I have had."

"During my time in the Marine Corps, I was an aviation ordnance
technician and a career planner," Matt added. "As a career planner, I
was able to learn a lot of the programs and benefits offered by the
Marine Corps and educated Marines on it. I wanted to do the same thing
but with those interested in serving. As a recruiter, I was able to do
so and give back to the community."

The brothers didn't plan on being recruiters at the same time.

"It just happened that way with the timing and it worked out," Andrew
said. "The odds of this are ridiculous; however, to be from two
different branches, joining at two different times, and to be back in
your hometown at the same time."

Now together at Mentor, the brothers work within a few feet of one
another, competing to recruit the next generation of Airmen and Marines.

"Now that we are technically competing against each other, it's not as
bad as one would think," Andrew said. "I also just started this job not
too long ago so it might get worse over time, but I doubt it. He does
seem to get that competitive itch when people come into my office."

"It is a friendly environment and I enjoy working alongside my brother," Matt said.

"However, being in the military as a recruiter and being brothers, we are always going to be competitive."

by Master Sgt. Andy Stephens
Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs

11/20/2013 - RICHMOND, Va. -- Her
feet pressed firmly into the mat, Staff Sgt. Stephanie Marin looks to
her coach. He gives her a knowing nod - "You're ready." She then looks
down at the bar, shiny and metallic. The 200 pounds of weight outweigh
the Air Force recruiter by 55 pounds. She takes a deep breath, gets a
tight grip, closes her eyes ... and lifts.

One! Two! Three!

Others in the gym stop and stare and count along with her, silently at
first, but their voices growing higher with each successive lift. At the
number 15, their voices become a roar.
This scene unfolds six days a week at The Weight Room in Richmond, Va.,
just down the road from where Marin works as an Air Force recruiter for
the 317th Recruiting Squadron's F-Flight. While the Air Force encourages
its Airmen to develop their physical prowess to a "fighting standard,"
the 24-year-old Chicago native said she goes to extra measures as a
means of becoming the very best person - Airman, recruiter, student -
she can be.

"Being an Air Force recruiter means that America's flying legion has
entrusted you with the responsibility to make yourself the best advocate
for the force," Marin said. "What we learn in our tech school is the
parameters of being a recruiter - what you can and cannot do and what
tools are available to you. A great recruiter adds their own initiative
and discipline to make him or herself a success. For me, weightlifting
is a big part of both initiative and discipline."

Marin credits her two coaches with keeping her motivated for a demanding
regimen: Chris Lawyer, the owner of The Weight Room, and Daniel
Clingenpeel. It was Lawyer who approached Marin one Saturday while she
was deadlifting and asked if she had ever competed before. Clingenpeel, a
competitive weight-lifter and physical education teacher at an area
middle school, echoed Lawyer's appeal.

"When she told me she hadn't competed, Danny and I were floored," Lawyer
said. "She had incredible strength. Being an owner, you can tell when
someone is working out just to keep fit versus someone who is sincere in
self-improvement. I told her about an upcoming strongman contest in
Richmond, the RVA Alpha Strongman, and that she should really consider
competing. What's wild is that, even though she only had a few weekends
to get ready for the contest, she placed second in the competition. Some
of those entrants had trained for years for that contest and she just
jumped right in and outperformed some of the best in the area. She is
all work ethic - no ego."

Strongman training is more intense than any CrossFit Challenge, Marin
said. For that reason, training can only be accomplished on Saturdays.
The competitions include a log press for maximum weight (Marin could do
120 pounds), a yoke/farmers carry (Marin finished in 15:43 seconds), a
maximum repetition axle dead lift (for Marin, 15 reps in one minute),
and a maximum weight stone load (Marin can do 200 pounds). Her second
place win at the Alpha Strongman qualified Marin for the Northern
American Strongman Championships, a rare feat for a first-timer.

"When I entered the Air Force, I was trained as a 2T151, Vehicle
Operations," Marin said. "I was blessed to have commanders and
supervisors who had faith in me and encouraged me to focus on my
self-improvement goals. I love going to school and working out, but the
Air Force is my passion. Where else can one find an environment where a
boss helps you to realize your full potential?"

Marin's current boss is Tech. Sgt. Vincent Green, the F-Flight chief for
the 317th RCS. He said he was not surprised by Marin's initiative,
describing her as a "super-focused Airman." He described her as
"building bridges of lasting influence" with members of the Delayed
Enlistment Program and the next generation of Airmen.

"Our Air Force recruiters are out there getting involved with the
American public because they represent the best of the Air Force," Green
said. "Marin is one of our best recruiters. When she meets with the
families of future Airmen, you can see in their eyes that Marin
understands. They are placing great faith in our recruiters to guide
them into the force, helping their sons and daughters navigate the
enlistment process and demonstrating by personal example the full
potential that the Air Force can unlock in a motivated Airman."
Adding to Marin's credibility is her academic success as a student in
computer engineering, giving her fluency in the cyberspace aspects of
today's STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) initiatives.

"Because computer science is a very demanding academic program, I do
have to work hard to balance my weightlifting training with my
coursework," Marin said. "I couldn't afford to travel to the Northern
American Strongman Championships this year because most of my salary
goes to cover my school books and I really didn't want to be away from
my job on such short notice. I'm pretty excited to be a Strongman
competitor - to be a Strongwoman - but my current mission is to become a
certified recruiter and wrap up my computer engineering degree. But I'm
going to work even harder now that I know I'm on the right track."

"Marin is a winner," Green said. "And she proves easily to others what
it takes to win through willpower and fair play. The Air Force
Recruiting Service is very lucky to have recruiters like her to
communicate the Air Force message to tomorrow's Airmen."

11/20/2013 - YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- For one Air Force family here, military service is becoming a family tradition.

Sydney Glover, the daughter of Capt. Karina and Master Sgt. Jeffrey
Glover, headed to basic military training at Joint Base San
Antonio-Lackland Oct. 15. Prior to her departure, Captain Glover had the
opportunity to administer her daughter's oath of enlistment.

"[As an Airman] I was excited for her," Captain Glover said trying to
describe the range of emotions she experienced while administering the
oath. "As a mom, I was extremely sad. That's my baby after all."

Master Sgt. Glover, the 374th Force Support Squadron First Sergeant, said that they are "very, very proud."

"All you really hope for as a parent is that your kid grows up to be an
asset to society," the former enlisted and health professions recruiter
said. "For Sydney to say she wants to follow in her parent's footsteps
... well, it doesn't get any better than that."

Captain Glover, a General Surgery Physician's Assistant with the 374th
Medical Group, stated that Sydney has always been very responsible,
loyal, trustworthy, and just a loving person.

"She made the decision to join the Air Force independently," she added.
"It wasn't until the spring of her senior year did she state she wanted
to be part of the Air Force team."
The Glover family arrived at Yokota in 2010 and Sydney graduated from
Yokota High School in June 2013. She is scheduled to graduate from BMT
in December and will move on to technical training in Operations
Intelligence.

"The Air Force is lucky to have her and she is lucky to be a part of this organization," Captain Glover said.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2013 – The Defense Department continues
to work with nations in North Africa to promote security and increase stability
in the region still feeling the effects of the Arab Spring, Amanda J. Dory, the
deputy assistant secretary of defense for African affairs, told a Senate panel
today.

Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco are confronting
instability and the U.S. military is working to build or strengthen their
police and military forces, Dory told the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on
Near eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs.

“Our strategic approach recognizes that developing strong
and responsive defense institutions can support regional stability, allowing
partner militaries to operate under civilian authority while respecting the
rule of law and international human rights,” Dory said in prepared testimony.

The effects of the Arab Spring in North Africa continue to
reverberate within the region and beyond its borders into the Sahelian states
of sub-Saharan Africa, she said.

Libya remains a key source of instability in North Africa
and the Sahel. After the overthrow of Muammar Gadhafi, there is little
government infrastructure inside Libya, Dory said, and certainly no tradition
of democracy.

Violence is rampant in Libya and the Libyan government is
too weak to control its borders and militias provide what security there is.
Arms merchants are shipping Libyan weapons out of the country and these arms
are fueling instability from Mali westward, Dory said.

“The Department of Defense is prioritizing its assistance to
focus on building Libyan security capacity and on improving the Libyan
government’s ability to counter terrorism, counter weapons proliferation and
secure and destroy its chemical weapons stockpiles,” she said.

The United States will provide general-purpose-force
military training for 5,000-8,000 Libyan personnel, Dory said.

“This training effort is intended to help the [Libyan]
government build the military it requires to protect government institutions
and maintain order,” she said.

The training of Libyan military personnel may begin next
year in Bulgaria.

In Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, DOD maintains close
military-to-military ties with their military counterparts. All three are
engaged in a security dialogue with the United States and “they share our goals
of countering terrorism and enhancing cross-border security,” Dory said.

She added, “We engage with the three governments on a
bilateral basis every 12-18 months to ensure our shared security goals are aligned
and U.S. government security assistance is prioritized accordingly,”

But all three countries, she said, are feeling the effects
of terrorism and growing violent extremism.

In Tunisia, the military deserves tremendous credit for
supporting and protecting the population during the country’s democratic
transition, Dory said. U.S. assistance to the security sector focuses on
counterterrorism support, border security training, she said, and a
continuation of long-standing U.S. Foreign Military Financing and International
Military Education and Training programs.

“Its strategic location in the Maghreb, and its long history
combating domestic terrorism and violent extremism, make Algeria a linchpin in
the struggle against al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and its affiliates and
bringing stability to the region,” she said. “The January 2013 terrorist attack
against the In-Amenas oil facility highlighted the growing transnational
threats in the region.”

DOD continues to expand engagement with Algeria in
cooperation with other U.S. government departments and agencies across a range
of activities, to include information sharing and exercises, Dory said.

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, she said, has recognized for
years that democratic political and economic reforms are needed in his country.

“During the Arab Awakening, he continued to respond to
popular demands for change from within Moroccan society,” Dory said of
Morocco’s king. “The United States and the Kingdom of Morocco share a long
history of bilateral relations that is enduring and expansive.”

A major non-NATO ally, Morocco “has been a strong partner in
the struggle against terrorism, and our bilateral military and political
cooperation is growing,” she said.

by Tech. Sgt. Kristine Dreyer
353rd Special Operations Group Public Affairs

11/7/2013 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- As
a child, he was inspired by meeting a commercial airline pilot as he
walked down the aisle greeting passengers. At 15, he completed his first
solo in an AT-6 Texan World War II trainer and went on to serve four
years in the Civil Air Patrol. Now after nearly 24 years of service, he
is being recognized for his accomplishments as a pilot in the U.S. Air
Force.

Lt. Col. Alexander Neumann, 1st Special Operations Squadron, chief
pilot, was presented a Master Air Pilot Certificate from the Guild of
Air Pilots and Air Navigators' based in London, England, during a
banquet held Oct. 23 at the Guildhall in London.

Established in 1929, the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators
comprises professional and private pilots from around the world who
support the education and training of pilots and navigators. The award,
signed by His Royal Highness, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, is used to
recognized pilots and navigators, civilian and military from various
branches of professional flying who have distinguished themselves in
their profession by consistently exceeding the standard in flying
throughout their career.

"I know of none more deserving for this truly distinctive honor than Lt.
Col. Alex Neumann," said Lt. Col. Mike Jackson, 1st SOS commander. "He
is the consummate SOF professional and aviator. His over 7,000 flight
hours, 2,400 combat hours and 23 Air Medals are really just a partial
snapshot of his flying career and aerial achievement. The positive
impact he's made on aircrews past and present, both in training and
actual operations, are immeasurable and enduring. He's the guy you want
at the controls for our nation's toughest missions."

Neumann's flying career began when he was selected as one of the first
copilots for the MC-130H, Combat Talon II. From providing supplies to
earthquake victims in Venezuela to assisting and advising the
Philippines Air Force on air-land procedures and personnel drops,
Neumann quickly established his home in the Talon II community,
initially in the 1st Special Operations Squadron at Kadena.

"My first love is the Talon II," said Neumann. "I love flying with a
large crew. I've been stationed here at Kadena twice and this is where I
learned how to be the best crew member. I look most fondly at my time
here at the 1st SOS."

Although Neumann felt an instant connection with the Talon II community,
he couldn't pass up the opportunity to train foreign air forces. His
next assignments challenged Neumann to become qualified in 15 different
aircraft outside of the U.S. inventory often while also keeping currency
in the Talon II.

"I flew a Russian An-2 and Talon on the same day," Neumann said.
"Stepping from a tail dragging biplane to a C-130 tactical aircraft was a
huge transition."

Now with 16 operational combat deployments and more than 1000 combat
sorties under his belt, Neumann not only knows what it takes to be an
Air Force Special Operations Command pilot, but he knows what it means
to be a part of an AFSOC aircrew.

"I don't look at this as an individual award," Neumann said. "Pilots in
AFSOC live and die by their crew. They are a weapons system. I have had
the opportunity to meet some of the best crews in the world. I'm happy
that I can bring some distinction to AFSOC and the 353rd SOG."

11/19/2013 - Winter 2013/2014 -- May 27, 2012 is a day TSgt Mark Hopkins will never forget--even though it's a day he can barely remember.

It was the day he made a choice that drastically altered his life forever, and almost ended it in the process.

"All I remember is hopping on my motorcycle around noon on my way to
hang out with some fellow bikers for a friend's birthday," he said. "I
woke up a month later from what I thought had been a nap. Apparently,
I'd had a pretty serious motorcycle accident."

The injuries he sustained from the accident should have been enough to
kill him, he said. The wreck ruptured and shattered the left side of his
skull, causing his brain to bleed and his eardrums to burst. His left
eye socket was fractured and he was left almost totally deaf in his
right ear, and with a traumatic brain injury.

According to the blood tests taken at the hospital, Hopkins had a blood
alcohol level roughly twice the legal limit, and had been wearing a
helmet that wasn't approved by the Department of Transportation.

He said his road to recovery has been a long and difficult one. Shortly
after arriving at Altru Hospital in the city of Grand Forks, ND, he was
taken into surgery where the doctor induced a medical coma in order to
prevent any further bleeding and swelling on his brain. He spent the
next 13 days in the critical care unit.

His injuries were so severe the Grand Forks Air Force Base Honor Guard
began preparing for a military funeral when news of the accident got
back to the base.
Once Hopkins came out of the coma, he underwent intensive speech,
mental, and physical therapy, relearning how to stand, walk, brush his
teeth, and feed himself. A month into his stay at Altru, he was finally
able to recognize his family and friends and speak their names.

"A staff sergeant from work who I was friends with was standing at my
bedside, weeping and unable to stand up straight," Hopkins said.
"Apparently after countless visits over the past month, I finally
recognized him and spoke his name for the first time."

After spending 43 days in the hospital, Hopkins was released to go home,
although he was far from finished with his recovery process.

"I continued therapy three days a week and had to be with someone at all
times, both in and out of the hospital," he said. "My skull hadn't been
repaired with titanium yet because my brain still had to heal a while
longer."

It would be several months before he could have his head hardened with
titanium while the healing process continued. During that time, he was
forced to wear a black medical helmet to protect his brain from further
injury, which his doctor said could very well have killed him.

"My days were short then," he said. "I would wake up in the morning and
just be so miserable and exhausted, and I would have to lie down for a
nap in the middle of the day and wake up again around 5 p.m.," he said.
"My wife, Melissa, worked, but would come home on her lunch break; my
three kids (14, 13, and 11) took turns staying with me throughout the
days on summer break. They would take me for walks around the base,
always making sure I had my black medical helmet on, and calling my wife
if I refused to wear it."

In November 2012, six months after fragments of his skull had been
removed immediately after the accident, Hopkins finally had an operation
to harden that portion of his scalp with titanium.

During the healing process, Hopkins endured the grueling ordeal of
having staples applied to and removed from his scalp (more than once)
and having the doctor insert a needle the size of a pencil into his head
to drain the excess fluid that would build up.

Hopkins expressed his deep remorse over the choice he made and what it put his loved ones through.

"I have no one to blame except myself for what happened," he said. "I
failed to practice my own safety techniques that I'd learned throughout
my years of riding, and I nearly lost my life for it. My wife, children,
family, friends, and co-workers nearly lost me because I was selfish
and I chose to drink and wear improper safety equipment while operating
my motorcycle."

Hopkins, or "Hopper," as he's known to his friends, had 14 distinguished
years of service behind him when the accident happened, but he's being
discharged now and will lose his career.

Surprisingly to some, however, Hopkins still has an unwavering love for
riding, and plans to work on motorcycles after he separates from the Air
Force.

But, he said there are two things he will never ride without again: "A DOT-approved helmet and sobriety!"

Hopkins has a firm grasp of the gravity of his situation, and said he is
very thankful to have been able to come out on the other side.

"This is my second chance to continue to be a better father, a better
husband, and a second chance to do something I love," he said. "I am the
living example of what may happen to a biker who does not put safety
first and respect his bike, and the trauma it can cause. If I can help
save one life just by sharing my story, that makes it worth it to me."

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2013 – Native American “code talkers”
who transmitted codes based on 33 tribal dialects during World Wars I and II so
enemies could not decipher them were patriots with “unique capabilities and
willingness to give their talents and lives” to the nation, the vice chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today at a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony
to honor them.

Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr., joined in the U.S.
Capitol’s Emancipation Hall by House and Senate leaders and other officials,
recognized 216 code talkers and members of their families from those wars with
the highest honor Congress can bestow.

Winnefeld said, “During Native American Heritage Month, I
have the great privilege of representing the finest military in the world in
recognizing hundreds of Native Americans who wore the cloth of our nation in
the distinctive way we celebrate today, and in such a courageous way, defending
a country that did not always keep its word to their ancestors.”

Conceived in 1918, the code talker program eventually
comprised more than 400 Native Americans who volunteered to defend the nation,
the vice chairman said.

The role of the code talkers during the two world wars was
kept a secret until 1968, officials said.

“Throughout history, military leaders have sought the
perfect code -- signals the enemy cannot break, no matter how able the
intelligence team,” the vice chairman said. “It was our code talkers who
created voice codes that defied decoding.”

Winnefeld said the codes were “doubly clever” by using words
that were confusing to the enemy, such as “crazy white man” for Adolf Hitler
and “tortoise” for tank.

“Our code talkers’ role in combat required intelligence,
adaptability, grace under pressure, and bravery -- key attributes handed down
by their ancestors,” the admiral said.

Winnefeld said the code talkers endured some of the nation’s
most dangerous battles and served proudly during critical combat operations,
such as the Choctaws at the Meuse-Argonne, Comanches on Utah Beach on D-Day,
Hopis in the Caroline Islands and the Cherokees at the Second Battle of the
Somme.

“These men were integral members of their teams -- the 36th
Infantry Division, the 4th Signals Company, the 81st Infantry Division, the
30th Infantry Division -- learning Morse code and operating equipment to transmit
messages quickly and accurately,” he added.

Contributing even more than battle skills, the code talkers
also “fundamentally contributed to our military intelligence community’s work”
in cryptology, Winnefeld said.

The National Security Agency Museum highlights the code
talkers of World War I and World War II as pioneers of this specialty, he
added.

The code talkers are a national resource, a wellspring of
intelligence, innovation, hard work and resilience, the vice chairman said.

“We can best honor these great warriors among us not just
with well-deserved and long overdue recognition,” the vice chairman said, “but
also with our own efforts to continue leveraging our nation’s diversity and to
forever honor our veterans.”